Aggie Square recently brought together job seekers, employers and community partners for a Career Resource Fair designed to open doors and demystify pathways into the regional workforce.

Hosted by the City of Sacramento, the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA), Aggie Square and UC Davis Health’s Anchor Institution Mission, the event welcomed approximately 160 attendees. Participants had the opportunity to connect with representatives from 27 regional employers and resource centers, explore careers across UC Davis, UC Davis Health, regional, city, county and state agencies, and access tools to strengthen their job search.

Throughout the morning, attendees engaged in one-on-one conversations with employers while also connecting with community organizations focused on career readiness and workforce support. For many, the event offered a rare chance to access multiple resources in one place, including learning about open roles, refining application strategies and discovering new career paths.

“You never know when or where you’ll find a job that you love,” said Isaac Hurtado, a high school graduate from North Highlands. “This event was a great opportunity to find that job.”

A central component of the event was a series of six workshops aimed at equipping participants with practical, actionable guidance. Sessions covered topics ranging from navigating UC Davis and UC Davis Health hiring processes to understanding how to become a competitive candidate for State of California and local county roles. Attendees also received step-by-step instruction on how to write an effective Statement of Qualification (SOQ), a key requirement when applying for many public sector positions.

For organizations tabling at the event, the fair provided a meaningful platform to engage directly with the community. “This space has been very welcoming,” said Christian Buckhalter, an education coordinator with SETA Head Start. “There’s been a lot of really good foot traffic and conversations. Aggie Square is being utilized very well for the community.”

By convening public agencies, educational institutions and community-based organizations, the Career Resource Fair reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to opportunity. Aligned with the goals of Aggie Square’s Community Benefits Partnership Agreement, events like this demonstrate how the innovation district is fostering inclusive economic opportunity by connecting people to the resources, relationships and pathways to grow their careers.